How long should I wear compression stockings during pregnancy and a long flight?

I will be 35 weeks pregnant when flying long-haul (21 hours plus 7 hour lay-over.) I've been told by my ob-gyn to wear 30-40 mmhg full hose, but how long to wear them? Do I take them off at some point during the 29 hours or leave them on the entire time?

Answers from doctors (10)


The Vein & Aesthetic Center of Boston

Published on Dec 06, 2012

I agree with your ob-gyn that you should wear 30-40mmHg compression hose throughout your flight. In fact, we recommend that you wear 30-40mmHg thigh compression hose throughout your pregnancy, traveling or not. This is to help counteract the damaging effects of pregnancy on your veins. Specifically, during the first trimester, your veins take the brunt of high progesterone levels; progesterone causes weakening and dilation of the vein walls. To add insult to injury, the second trimester is associated with a marked increase in blood volume that adds to intravascular pressure. Finally, the weight of the pregnancy can add further pressure to the veins in the legs. For all of these reasons, support hose are recommended throughout your pregnancy.

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Answered by The Vein & Aesthetic Center of Boston

I agree with your ob-gyn that you should wear 30-40mmHg compression hose throughout your flight. In fact, we recommend that you wear 30-40mmHg thigh compression hose throughout your pregnancy, traveling or not. This is to help counteract the damaging effects of pregnancy on your veins. Specifically, during the first trimester, your veins take the brunt of high progesterone levels; progesterone causes weakening and dilation of the vein walls. To add insult to injury, the second trimester is associated with a marked increase in blood volume that adds to intravascular pressure. Finally, the weight of the pregnancy can add further pressure to the veins in the legs. For all of these reasons, support hose are recommended throughout your pregnancy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Nov 07, 2012

You should wear compression hose all throughout your pregnancy - during your waking hours. Unless of course, your OB/GYN gives you instructions to the contrary. Anytime you are up and around, standing, walking, etc. you are pressurizing the venous system in your lower extremities, and you should have compression on at those times. As for flying, you should wear the compression hose all throughout the flight. At no time during the flight should you remove the hose. One note: You may want to check with your OB/GYN and see if you do indeed need 30-40 mm compression hose or if 20-30 mm would suffice.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

You should wear compression hose all throughout your pregnancy - during your waking hours. Unless of course, your OB/GYN gives you instructions to the contrary. Anytime you are up and around, standing, walking, etc. you are pressurizing the venous system in your lower extremities, and you should have compression on at those times. As for flying, you should wear the compression hose all throughout the flight. At no time during the flight should you remove the hose. One note: You may want to check with your OB/GYN and see if you do indeed need 30-40 mm compression hose or if 20-30 mm would suffice.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Nov 07, 2012

Compression stockings are helpful to limit damage to veins during pregnancy when your blood volume is up to 30 percent increased. Wear only when out of bed during entire pregnancy and on flights to prevent deep vein thrombosis.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Compression stockings are helpful to limit damage to veins during pregnancy when your blood volume is up to 30 percent increased. Wear only when out of bed during entire pregnancy and on flights to prevent deep vein thrombosis.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

Published on Nov 06, 2012

They should be worn whenever you are not lying down.

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Answered by Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

They should be worn whenever you are not lying down.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Nov 06, 2012

I don't think the compression has to be that high. They are most effective when you are sitting or during periods of prolonged standing. During layover, if you can elevate your legs, then take them off.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

I don't think the compression has to be that high. They are most effective when you are sitting or during periods of prolonged standing. During layover, if you can elevate your legs, then take them off.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Nov 06, 2012

We recommend you leave the hose on for the duration of the flight. We also feel it is beneficial to continue wearing them during the day after arriving at your destination. They can be removed in the evening and overnight. In addition to the hose, we recommend getting up frequently (an aisle seat would be perfect), drinking plenty of water and doing foot and leg exercises. The airline magazines have a description of exercises in the back. 30-40 mmHg pressure hose in the last trimester works well, especially if you have some vein issues.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

We recommend you leave the hose on for the duration of the flight. We also feel it is beneficial to continue wearing them during the day after arriving at your destination. They can be removed in the evening and overnight. In addition to the hose, we recommend getting up frequently (an aisle seat would be perfect), drinking plenty of water and doing foot and leg exercises. The airline magazines have a description of exercises in the back. 30-40 mmHg pressure hose in the last trimester works well, especially if you have some vein issues.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Nov 05, 2012

I am going to ask you to ask that question to your ob-gyn clinician. Each clinician has their own preference.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

I am going to ask you to ask that question to your ob-gyn clinician. Each clinician has their own preference.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Nov 05, 2012

30 to 40 pressure is significant. I usually recommend 20 to 30, which are easier to apply and are better tolerated. You should wear them for the duration of the flight. Obviously, you can remove them to shower and then reapply. I would also recommend wearing them for 48 hours after the flight.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

30 to 40 pressure is significant. I usually recommend 20 to 30, which are easier to apply and are better tolerated. You should wear them for the duration of the flight. Obviously, you can remove them to shower and then reapply. I would also recommend wearing them for 48 hours after the flight.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Nov 05, 2012

As long as they are properly fitted you can where them as much as you like.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

As long as they are properly fitted you can where them as much as you like.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

Published on Nov 05, 2012

If you can tolerate them, wearing the compression hose is a good idea for the whole trip. I'd recommend you begin to wear them prior to the trip. Stay well hydrated during the two days of travel. Try to walk around every
2-3 hours during the trip. BON VOYAGE!

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Answered by Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

If you can tolerate them, wearing the compression hose is a good idea for the whole trip. I'd recommend you begin to wear them prior to the trip. Stay well hydrated during the two days of travel. Try to walk around every
2-3 hours during the trip. BON VOYAGE!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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